By Linda Cohen Loigman – St Martin’s Press, 2024
This charming novel intertwines meticulously researched history with endearing characters, resulting in a heartwarming story of second chances, family bonds, wit and a touch of magic. Spanning past and present, it transports readers to 1920s Brooklyn, where young Augusta works alongside her father in his pharmacy—an unconventional role for a woman at the time. Her great-aunt Esther, an immigrant steeped in old-world herbal remedies, infuses the pharmacy with wisdom and warmth, creating a community hub where healing transcends science. Esther’s potions hint at something beyond mere chemistry—is there magic in them after all? And was a love potion to blame when Irving, the pharmacy’s delivery boy, abruptly left town, severing a blossoming relationship with Augusta and leaving her heartbroken and guarded?
Decades pass. Augusta has built a fulfilling life through career and friendships, yet love remains elusive. At 80, she reluctantly steps into retirement, uncertain of her future—until a stunning reunion with Irving reignites questions of forgiveness and rekindled possibilities. With rich historical details and its exploration of love’s endurance, this novel offers a nostalgic and inspiring read.
